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Board Blog

Recycle Right! Understanding why it matters!

August 30, 2020 by Laura Vernon

Contamination in our recycling and compost is a huge deal. Just because you want to recycle something, it doesn’t mean it’s actually recyclable. So the wrong thing in the wrong bin is called contamination and has all sorts of implications. But first, remember that there are human beings who sort your recycling — so when you put a used tissue, a dirty pizza box, food soiled paper — there are people who are sorting out your nasty garbage. Clean recycling is dirty enough, but it’s not nasty. Managing your waste and recycling is respectful to the earth but also to the front line workers who handle your recycling (note- trash is never sorted, and contamination in compost is pulled out after it’s been largely composted – at great expense btw).

On a recent Sustainable Fairfax Community Chat, we talked with Casey Fritz from Marin Sanitary (MSS). Casey shared that over 50% of what Fairfax residents are sending to the landfill is recyclable or compostable–that’s a lot of room for improvement! She went through the list of the do’s and don’ts and it’s confusing because the rules changed when overseas markets announced they didn’t want our contaminated recycling any longer because we were essentially exporting our landfill waste and pollution. You can watch the entire zoom chat here, but highlights of the talk, along with my commentary, include:

  • the ONLY plastics that are actually recycled are water bottles, jugs (like detergent bottles), and tubs (like yogurt containers). That means that all the other packaging, clam shells (like lettuce and take-out food containers) — it’s ALL garbage. Don’t let yourself feel better by recycling it!
  • Compostable plastics — ALL of it — is trash. Yes it’s crazy making that it says compostable, but it does NOT break down in 6 months so our (and most) commercial compost facilities cannot take it. And don’t be fooled by the fact that Recology takes it in the city. They pay people to pull it out, where it is trashed. Yup. Makes no sense. I used to think that purchasing compostable cups is still better even if they’re landfilled because it’s plant-based material. That’s not really true either, but it’s also a little complicated. There’s lots of pressure on manufacturers to make this right, so I remain hopeful but in the meantime – – just say no to these fraud materials.
  • Paper needs to be clean and dry. Food contaminated paper is compost. It’s that easy.
  • MSS has a dual stream recycling system. They used to be criticized for not having a single-stream system, but since the markets have shifted so dramatically, other recyclers are wishing, big-time, that they had a dual stream. Sorting into the proper streams is really important. check out this video that goes a long way in explaining this:

It’s a great description of some of the issues described here. Take note about the plastics bags. They NEVER ever go in either recycling container, or the compost for that matter. Skip plastic bags altogether. I use a brown paper bag in my trash can. I line it with egg container to give it a little more strength. (here’s another video that really shows people sorting our recycling — it’s a little longer)

I have lots of tips and tricks, I’m sure you do too. When in doubt – throw it out! Lets keep this conversation going! Our garbage represents our consumption. Everything we buy represents embedded energy and a tremendous use of resources that you can’t see. It’s our individual and collective responsibility to our health, to our kids health, to the planet, to do this better. Let’s make better purchasing decisions to make less crap in the first place, but at the end of the day, let’s put stuff in the right bin! It’s not that hard but does require intentionality. It’s also a sign of respect to the front line waste workers sorting our recycling! They will thank you and so with the earth!

Join Sustainable Fairfax’s Zero Waste Committee – we have work to do and would love your energy. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 7:00. Reach out to chat about it. laurav@sustainblefairfax.org

Filed Under: Board Blog, Community Chat, slider, Zero Waste Tagged With: blog, zerowaste

Changes Afoot at Sustainable Fairfax

June 19, 2020 by Sustainable Fairfax

Lots of changes at Sustainable Fairfax!  

An Opportunity to Renew, Recreate, Re-envision…
Sustainable Fairfax hums along through the generosity of time and commitment from many.

Elizabeth Baker has been a backbone of the organization from its earliest days.  For the last 8  years, Elizabeth has served as President of the Board and to our great sadness, has decided it’s time to focus on other projects and will be stepping down as President this summer.  We are delighted that Elizabeth will remain on the board. Elizabeth will continue to oversee the Free Community Seed Exchange and help organize homesteading workshops, Fairfax on Foot hikes and the Sustainable Film & Lecture series.

Renee Goddard is one of the earliest leaders and to this day, continues to bring new ideas for how we come together with an unfailing commitment to sustainability and community.  She was a main driver in the successful campaign to ban single-use plastic bags and created a new town event, Streets for People. Her vision for safe alternative transportation as well as zero waste education and implementation have contributed to our town’s identity as a leader in tackling climate change.  Renee is just a wee bit busy as our Mayor in this time of Covid-19.  While Renee will remain on the Board as an advisor, she is stepping down as the Vice President. We look forward to her continued vision and guidance for the organization.

We are grateful to these two women and are pleased that they both will continue to be involved.

NEXT STEPS! Sustainable Fairfax is ready to emerge with a new purpose that continues to nurture our families and community and protects our ecosystem. We need your ideas, leadership skills, and fresh perspective to refocus our efforts and create new programs, platforms and projects that meet the demands of these challenging times. Join us to work together AND bring your vision and people power..

If you are interested in participating in a leadership role in this new visioning and planning process, please call so we can chat. Laura Vernon 415-866-5377.

Thank you!

Filed Under: Board Blog Tagged With: Slide

Sustainable Fairfax in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter

June 16, 2020 by Sustainable Fairfax

Sustainable Fairfax stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

We are devastated by the gut-wrenching and needless death of George Floyd. The heartbreaking events of the last month have made the truth of present day America quite clear: racism continues to be deeply rooted in our present day society.

For us, this has been a time of deep listening, learning and introspection. Fairfax is 89% white, and Marin County is highly segregated due in large part to the racist housing policies of the past. As a center working toward a better future for all, we must work to dismantle the systems that tolerate racism and violence against people of color. There can be no climate justice without social justice.

What can we do as individuals and as an organization to become effective allies to people of color, and join with them to support the movement towards an equitable and sustainable world for all?  

  • Taking a meaningful look at white privilege and the history of racism in this country. See this talk on “White Fragility” and explore this list of other books, films and podcasts.
  • Speaking out against racism when it appears. See this guide for ideas on being an ally to marginalized communities.
  • Actively recruiting people of color to take open positions at Sustainable Fairfax (or other local organizations and committees).
  • Amplifying the voices of people of color within the environmental movement. See Isha Clarke and Youth v. Apocalypse, and Intersectional Environmentalist
  • Setting up a recurring donation to an organization that is supporting the fight against racism – for example:
    • Black Lives Matter
    • College of Marin’s UMOJA Program
    • SURJ Marin
    • National Black Environmental Justice Network
    • The Bail/ ProjectNAACP Legal Defense Fund

Diversity, de-segregation and equity can only strengthen our community. Let us work together to make positive change, heal the deep wounds of the past, and honor the memories of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and the many others who have tragically lost their lives.

Stay Safe and Strong,
Sustainable Fairfax

“In a Racist Society it is not enough to be non-racist. 

We must be anti-racist.”

– – Angela Y. Davis

Filed Under: Board Blog, Social Justice Tagged With: environmental justice, equity, racial justice, Slide, social justice

Share the Fairfax Flair with Fairfax Forward

April 28, 2020 by Sustainable Fairfax

While we are sheltering in place, the Fairfax community is brimming with creative ways of supporting each other. The Town developed #fairfaxforward to encompass the spirit, mindset and momentum of the Fairfax community. It considers the legacy of our town and the forward thinking of our residents.

Fairfax, show off your vibrance and color! Pull out an old tie-dye, turn it into ribbon to ‘Tie around the old Oak Tree’ to show support for our First Responders and frontline workers and to celebrate community connection. Get creative and share your flair! Take a picture of something that celebrates community resilience and tag #fairfaxforward. Follow Fairfaxforward on Instagram to see what others are doing!

Filed Under: Board Blog, Community Tagged With: Community, Fairfax, Slide

Support your Fairfax Farmer’s Market

July 3, 2019 by Sustainable Fairfax

SHOP LOCALLY & SUSTAINABLY!

We encourage you to come to the weekly Fairfax Community Farmer’s Market on Wednesday evenings from 4:00-800pm. Shop for fresh local organic produce while enjoying music, food trucks and a variety of vendors in Bolinas Park. SUPPORT OUR FARMERS to ensure the market thrives for years to come!

Farmer’s Market Waste-Free Shopping Tips

BRING YOUR OWN….

  • Reusable produce bags. Silo Pantry, a vendor at the market, sells beautiful reusable produce bags for $5 each. They are durable and a great way to go plastic-free!
  • Grocery bags. If you need one, pick up a free bag from the Sustainable Fairfax table. If you have extra bags you do not need, we will take them for others to use.
  • Container for berries. Leave the plastic berry baskets with the farmer for reuse. Plastic yogurt tubs work perfectly for bringing home berries!
  • Container for chicken. If you buy the whole chickens, consider bringing your own container. The wrapping is plastic coated, and is not compostable.
  • Mason jars for bulk pantry items. Bring your mason jar and get a discount from The Silo (see Vendor Focus below).
  • Plate, cutlery and napkins to eat at one of the many delicious food trucks!

VENDOR FOCUS: THE SILO

The Silo Package-Free Pantry sells bulk grains, flours, rices, natural charcoal water filters, soaps, reusable produce and grocery bags and more. The owner, Andy, is so committed to a waste-free existence, that if you bring your own jars, he’ll give you significant discounts on the finest bulk food.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Join Sustainable Fairfax in striving to make the Market a zero waste event!

  • We are seeking volunteers to setup (~3:30-4:00pm) and/or breakdown (~8:00-8:30pm) the Eco-Station signage weekly through September. Equipment is light and easy to transport and setup.
  • We are also seeking folks passionate about waste issues to help staff the Sustainable Fairfax table next to the Eco-Station. Provide guidance to people as they dispose of their waste, and educate them on alternatives to single-use plastics. We’ll train you!

SIGN UP HERE

Filed Under: Board Blog Tagged With: zero waste

Reusable Cups Reduced Plastic Waste at Fairfax Fest!

June 9, 2019 by Sustainable Fairfax

One million plastic cups are tossed into the landfill every minute. Thanks to everyone who purchased the reusable aluminum cups sold at the Fairfax Festival (or brought their own). Sustainable Fairfax installed a cup collection display to educate people on this issue. Please continue to spread the good word!

Filed Under: Board Blog, Zero Waste Tagged With: Slide, zero waste

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